Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  good car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jeauxe - January 5 - 8:53 am

  good car

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  Another great Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Another great Mazda - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had several Mazdas through the years, including a Miata and 2 Mazda 3s. Just leased a CX-7 and its another exceptional car/SUV. Fun to drive, excellent engine performance, very modern design inside and out and generally a very enjoyable vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Brian2001 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought the ES for my wife in August 2001. She still loves the car. Kudos to Mazda for making the car inexpensive, but not cheap. The fit/finish are first rate. It only has 20,000 Km (she doesnt drive much). Only one problem so far - a blown main fuse that disabled the stereo and key fob. Other than that, this is a very easy car to live with. I love the 50 series rubber - this thing corners. The power is good, but not great - another 20 hp would be great. I find the pedals hard to heel/toe. To sum up, it is rommy, fun to drive, cheap to run small car.

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  Great driving car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By owned2ofthem - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Protege Ive owned and they keep getting better. The reliability of this car is excellent, the handling is outstanding for a car in this class and the looks are sharp and stylish.

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  I love my Protege. - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Supergirl - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This car drives beautifully. My friend just got a new Accord and he still prefers to drive my car because of the smooth transmission. Great sound system. Nice design inside and out. And while it drives smoothly, when Im in a pinch and need to move, I push that pedal down and it surprises me. Good for driving comfortably or tearing through traffic like a nut. This car is so much more than I expected.

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  Never go to Dars Cars. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Nayan - January 3 - 2:00 am

  for the price it is a good choice among Toyota and Honda. At 37000 miles check engine light came on and needs to replace spark plugs and wire at the cost of $340.00. Dealership did a crappy job and insist that this is not covered in Mazda warranty!!!

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  disapointed - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By transmission failed - January 3 - 2:00 am

  It was great at first no problems concerns, nothing to fix just the regular oil changes. but after 9000 miles the transmission failed!!!!!!!!

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  I have fun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cheung - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have fun with this car wheather I am driving it or washing it.

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  Tribute vs Escape - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By p clarke - January 2 - 3:26 pm

  Bought the Tribute rather than the Escape because of interior and exterior styling differences.Ford needs to upgrade both, as well as paint colors. So far so good with the 4 banger.

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  Bring Millenia Back! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By zarkoe - January 1 - 7:50 am

  This is an awesome car that I purchased after researching among more than 50 different cars. You see, there was a lot to look at and compare; I compared from used to new cars. I compared all of the above evaluation points and after 1 full year of looking between newspapers, car books, magazines, websites, and other means I came up with a few finalists. These were Avalon, Camry, Maxima, Mazda 6 and WRX. After driving the Mazda 6 before making my final decision, I had no doubt in my mind that the Millenia was the overall winner, even though it was more expensive than the Mazda 6 with an automatic tip-tronic transmission. My Millenia S is used but everyone thinks its brand new; awesome car!